Meghan Klingenberg and Lori Lindsey leave the Western New York Flash after Sunday’s match at New England to join the United States national team as it preps for next month’s Olympics. They should have only good things to tell coach Pia Sundhage about Katy Frierson, the Flash rookie who was terrific and set up two goals in Friday’s 2-0 WPSL Elite win over Philadelphia at Sahlen’s

Katy Frierson

Stadium. The 22-year-old gave the Fever (0-5-2) fits. She assisted on Adriana’s 25-yard shot in the 27th minute, a simple pass from the top of the circle made to exactly the right teammate. She also set up Klingenberg beautifully in the 49th, showing good vision and touch by chipping a pass over the last defender. Klingenberg, 23, an alternate on the Olympic team with Lindsey, 32, then chipped the ball over goalie Michele Dalton.

“I think Katy’s the real deal,” Klingenberg said. “I think she has an incredible knack for finding people in behind and slipping them in.” She’s great at keeping the ball and working in underneath that pocket of the center backs. She’s great at keeping the ball and working in underneath that pocket of the center backs.”

An All-American at Auburn University and the 10th overall pick in January’s WPS Draft by the defunct Atlanta Beat, Frierson has two goals and two assists. Flash coach Aaran Lines said once former Atlanta coach James Galanis knew the Beat wouldn’t have a 2012 season, he told Lines he should take a look at Frierson. “She’s a wonderful talent. She’s technically very gifted,” Lines said of the 5-foot-5 native of Alabama who has spent time in the past with the U.S. Under-23 national team. If not for Dalton’s great play (11 saves), WNY (6-1-2) could have won by six or seven goals. The Flash, which led 13-0 in shots, are unbeaten in seven straight (5-0-2). “There was definitely a learning curve and I needed to get comfortable with players on and off the field,” Frierson said. “It’s been fun. It’s good to have confidence and to feel good about how I’m playing but the girls around me make it so easy.”

Notes: Adriana’s goal was her WPSL Elite-leading eighth. … Midfielder McCall Zerboni (quad) was a late scratch for WNY. … The Flash also 9-0 in corner kicks. … Sunday’s match at New England (3-4-1) is at 5 p.m. … Lindsey and Klingenberg, playing in just their second WPSL Elite match with WNY, nearly hooked up on a pretty goal in the 41st minute. Lindsey made a near-post run on a corner kick and Klingenberg found her with a one-hop pass, but Dalton made a fantastic reaction save on Lindsey’s one-timed shot from eight yards to tip it over the crossbar. The national team duo exited in the 57th minute in favor of Stephanie Ochs and Emily Van Egmond. … Lindsey won a USL W-League title at Sahlen’s Stadium several years ago with the Washington Freedom. … Lines also removed Frierson and Adriana in the 65th minute, showing plenty of confidence that his young group could hold the lead. … Chicago came from behind to beat Chesapeake on Friday, meaning the Red Stars (7-1) hold a 21 to 20 lead over the Flash for first place. Boston is in third at 18 points.

Jeff DiVeronica has covered professional soccer and the Rhinos for the Democrat and Chronicle since the team's inception in 1996. "Devo's Direct Kicks" takes aim mostly at Rochester soccer, but will also highlight the USL, MLS and U.S. national team play. Devo, his nickname since college at St. John Fisher, also hosts two weekly radio shows each Saturday on WHTK-AM/FM (1280/107.3 or www.whtk.com). "Kick This!" (11 a.m.) features soccer talk, while the Canandaigua National Bank High School Sports Show (noon) covers Section V sports. E-mail Jeff at jdiveron@DemocratandChronicle.com.
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